Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media Inc.
Pearce shares with PEOPLE her thoughts on witnessing Ballerini’s success and her transition to arena tours, saying, “No one deserves it more.”
Carly Pearce expresses her joy over Kelsea Ballerini’s success. In an interview at the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Red Dress Collection Concert in New York City on January 30, Pearce shares her admiration for Ballerini, who has recently moved to arena tours.
“We’ve been friends for over 10 years,” Pearce, 34, tells PEOPLE. “I remember when Kelsea performed for just a couple hundred people in a small club, and now she’s filling up huge arenas. It feels surreal.”
“Nobody deserves it more,” Pearce adds, praising the 31-year-old Ballerini, whose North American arena tour is underway. “She’s my best friend in this industry, and I’m so proud of her.”
Throughout their friendship, Pearce has learned a lot by watching Ballerini perform live.
“She has this incredible ability to perform like the superstar she is in front of thousands, yet still stay vulnerable and authentic,” Pearce says. “Even if you’re sitting in the back, you feel connected to her.”
Ballerini is looking forward to a potentially big night at the 2025 Grammy Awards on February 2, where she’s nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance alongside Noah Kahan for their duet “Cowboys Cry Too.”
“Every collaboration has taught me something different, and some have been more positive than others, as collaborations often are,” Ballerini shared in an interview with SiriusXM host Lori Majewski on the Fierce: Women in Music radio show. “But Noah, he’s such a good person and an amazing songwriter.”
She continued, “When he played that second verse for me, I immediately thought, ‘Oh, this song just became something else. It’s more meaningful, deeper, and more honest.’ I’m so grateful to be in his circle.”
Talking about the possibility of winning the award, Ballerini opened up about her perspective on awards, admitting that she doesn’t expect to win but has come to terms with it.
“There’s so much more that goes into it. For me, just being nominated means that you might get a few minutes to perform on a big stage like the CMAs, ACMs, or CMTs—that in itself feels like an award,” she explained.
Ballerini added, “Once I shifted my mindset to that, I feel so excited just to perform and be part of it, and sometimes to cheer on a friend. Honestly, I’m good with it.”